We are a full-service physiotherapy and wellness clinic located in the heart of Downtown Vancouver. Book an appointment today! From post-surgery, accident recovery and sports injury to office, couch and weekend warriors, we offer a range of physio and health services designed to address your wellness goals and physical needs here in Downtown Vancouver.
Our unique approach to physiotherapy addresses the unique needs of your body. Book your next appointment at our downtown physio clinic today. We offer a wide range of physio services in the heart of downtown Vancouver making it easy for you to fit us in between meetings.
Our unique approach to physiotherapy addresses the unique needs of your body. Book your next appointment at our downtown physio clinic today. We offer a wide range of physio services in the heart of downtown Vancouver making it easy for you to fit us in between meetings.
Services
At Sitka Physio & Wellness, our registered physiotherapists specialize in providing a comprehensive treatment approach. We utilize manual therapy, specific exercise prescription, and needling (acupuncture and IMS) to relieve your painful symptoms and get you back to regular activities. We are passionate about what we do, and strive to give you the care that you deserve.
At Sitka Physio & Wellness we offer a broad spectrum of Wellness and Physio Services to help you Move Well, Feel Well, and Be Well. Services may be booked individually or as part of a comprehensive wellness program. We offer a wide range of physio services in the heart of downtown Vancouver making it easy for you to fit us in between meetings.
We offer a wide range of physio services in the heart of downtown Vancouver making it easy for you to fit us in between meetings. Our physiotherapists are dedicated to working with you to help identify the cause of your issues to maximize your ability to move and function throughout your everyday life.
Manual Therapy is a set of techniques relating to joint, muscle, fascia stretching and mobilizing that are often used for relief of pain, swelling and other uncomfortable symptoms.
Technically speaking the International Federation of Orthopaedic Manipulative Physical Therapists (IFOMPT) defines manual therapy techniques as: "Skilled hand movements intended to produce any or all of the following effects: improve tissue extensibility; increase range of motion of the joint complex; mobilize or manipulate soft tissues and joints; induce relaxation; change muscle function; modulate pain; and reduce soft tissue swelling, inflammation or movement restriction."
Technically speaking the International Federation of Orthopaedic Manipulative Physical Therapists (IFOMPT) defines manual therapy techniques as: "Skilled hand movements intended to produce any or all of the following effects: improve tissue extensibility; increase range of motion of the joint complex; mobilize or manipulate soft tissues and joints; induce relaxation; change muscle function; modulate pain; and reduce soft tissue swelling, inflammation or movement restriction."
Intramuscular Stimulation, a type of dry needling, is a physio treatment used to treat chronic pain, It targets taut and tender muscle bands and supersensitive nerves near the spine. It was developed by Dr. Chan Gunn in the 1970's during his time at the Workers Compensation Board. He developed this treatment after he saw that many patients weren't progressing through conventional rehabilitation methods.
Reviews (20)
Nella Nova
Nov 23, 2021
Report
I went to see Elisabeth McLatchie several months ago due to ongoing shin splints that started to really bother me. She was incredible!!!! I'd seen another highly rated Vancouver physio prior to visiting Sitka, and they failed to fix the issue. Elisabeth assessed my running style, fixed my stride and prescribed a running program for me, and now my shin splints are completely gone. Thank you so much!!
Elham Saadatian
Jul 02, 2019
Report
Steve found some awkward postures I had while walking and sitting that I never knew and were the reason behind my lower back and neck pain. He gave me some helpful exercises tailored specifically to my body that helped reducing the pains during the treatment and I can always do them whenever the pain comes back. Oh one last thing... if you are lucky he may share with you a secret family trick that not only eliminates neck pain but also make you look cute in photos!
Anais Favier
Nov 21, 2018
Report
Great great clinic. I have a really bad shoulder injury since 10 years and had a lot of problems finding the right physiotherapists. Liz was really creative in finding new ways to help me with pain and balance. On the first day I went to Sitka, she was able to reduce the pain I had for years. She's passionate and definitely cares for her patients. It helps that I can speak french with her sometimes. In my case I will need to see a physio for a long long time and I'm happy to have found some comfort, trust and hope.
Stephanie Bates
Oct 18, 2018
Report
Liz is fantastic! She has helped me with various sporting injuries. I saw multiple therapists around the city before I started going to Sitka. Liz was the first therapist who I felt assessed my whole body and kept me going through all of my trail races. She provides lots of exercises for you to do independently and responds to emails if you have questions between sessions.
Cookaitlyn
Aug 14, 2018
Report
I have been a client of Liz's at Sitka Physio & Wellness for over 3 years as issues come up. She is the best physio I've seen. She is extremely knowledgeable, personable and professional.
Liz most recently treated me for a 2nd degree tear of my MCL and damage to my ACL. I went from being unable to bear weight on my right foot to being 90% in four months - no surgery required. I firmly believe I wouldn't have recovered as well, or as quickly, without Liz (or the supplemental treatment I received).
Liz most recently treated me for a 2nd degree tear of my MCL and damage to my ACL. I went from being unable to bear weight on my right foot to being 90% in four months - no surgery required. I firmly believe I wouldn't have recovered as well, or as quickly, without Liz (or the supplemental treatment I received).
Emily Kenny
Jun 16, 2018
Report
I only have great things to say about Sitka Physio and Steve Nairn. I went to see Steve with knee pain that I have not been able to permanently get rid of after visiting numerous physios over a number of years. Within one session, Steve was able to ask all of the right questions and understand how I move enough that he could make a difference to my knee pain instantly. Steve takes a holistic view on his treatments and was able to assess what parts of my body were misaligned and restricting my movement.
In addition, Steve worked with me to identify how the mind can play a part in pain and pain
In addition, Steve worked with me to identify how the mind can play a part in pain and pain
Melanie Leung
Jan 02, 2018
Report
I have received the best care at Sitka! I have been seeing Lis for physio for the last 9 months so far and it's so nice to have reliable care that actually works. What ails me is not an immediate or easy fix, but I feel assured that my visits with Lis and Carla for kinesiology have results that build on each other and will get me back to 'normal'. I completely trust in them and the personalized treatments and exercises that they have given me. I never feel rushed and each treatment they are assessing and reassessing things to make sure that I am getting the proper corrections that my body needs
Mel L.
Dec 05, 2017
Report
I only have the best things to say about Sitka. From the reception staff, to the facility and especially the treatments I have received from the practitioners, everything has been excellent. I've been seeing Lis (Elisabeth) for the last 7 months and was not in a great place when I first started came in. She is incredibly thorough in her assessments and every session she is reassessing and changing things up to make sure she is relevant in treating the issues completely. I feel like I get the utmost care and trust her completely to get me back to my original health.
It's no easy task
It's no easy task
Terence Yee
Nov 23, 2017
Report
Broke my neck earlier in the year and was recommended to see Steve Nairn at Sitka about relieving the pain and bringing me back to full function. Steve not only helped me with my neck, he corrected my posture and revealed to me physical imbalances I didn't know I had. He recommended several progressive exercises to raise my own awareness for, and eventually improve those imbalances, and even increase my range of motion with certain functional movements. I was nervous about acupuncture and IMS, but Steve expertly performed those procedures with care; I always left his physio sessions feeling looser
Manuela Dajic
Nov 13, 2017
Report
Nadine A.
Oct 05, 2017
Report
Lois Chan-Pedley
Jun 12, 2017
Report
Great team at Sitka. Would recommend to anyone. I've been working with Elizabeth and Joanne for years on managing chronic back pain and the occasional injury. Joanne specialises in working with scoliosis and is a wonderful resource for improving my physical wellness through realistic, day-to-day activities.
Katie J.
Feb 06, 2014
Report
I've been to a lot of physios over the years and Katie Wnuk at Sitka is by far the best one. She's an expert in her field, identifies issues quickly and gives you exercises that you will actually do. She explains everything she's doing in the moment and shares just enough information so that you understand what's going on but don't get overwhelmed.
Before our first session, my knee was so sore that I couldn't walk up stairs. Afterwards I practically skipped home. It is a rare treat to work with someone who is so talented and passionate about what they do. Get on
Before our first session, my knee was so sore that I couldn't walk up stairs. Afterwards I practically skipped home. It is a rare treat to work with someone who is so talented and passionate about what they do. Get on
N. H.
Oct 03, 2013
Report
Policies more important than customer service.
I am a newer customer, and have been to Sitka 4 times for physio services.
I had a 5th appointment scheduled, but needed to change my appointment on the day of, due to an unexpected family matter. I called to reschedule and was not given that opportunity. I was not even able to cancel the appointment. I was told I would be charged for the appointment on my next visit for not complying with their "24 hours notice" policy. Then to make this more ridiculous the receptionist actually called to see where I was because the person I tried to
I am a newer customer, and have been to Sitka 4 times for physio services.
I had a 5th appointment scheduled, but needed to change my appointment on the day of, due to an unexpected family matter. I called to reschedule and was not given that opportunity. I was not even able to cancel the appointment. I was told I would be charged for the appointment on my next visit for not complying with their "24 hours notice" policy. Then to make this more ridiculous the receptionist actually called to see where I was because the person I tried to
Kamila R.
Mar 08, 2013
Report
My first visit was here today, bright and early in the morning. Located on the bottom floor of the Fairmont Hotel, this place is amazing. The space itself is beautifully decorated, bright and welcoming. The receptionist was super lovely- answered any of my questions and made me feel right at home even though I was still half asleep and rambling on about who knows what .
I saw Liz( a physio) for my appointment and I cannot say enough great things about her. She is extremely knowledgeable, friendly and just rad at what she does. I left with my knee/ankles/hips feeling better, a game plan to keep
I saw Liz( a physio) for my appointment and I cannot say enough great things about her. She is extremely knowledgeable, friendly and just rad at what she does. I left with my knee/ankles/hips feeling better, a game plan to keep
Mahal D.
Oct 05, 2012
Report
Specializing in rehabilitation, the Sitka wellness centre has it all! After a few treatments with Helen Ries (Physical Therapist) , which included manipulation and accupuncture. I started to feel better. What I love about Helen is that she does not make you feel like a PIN cushion. No one should feel like that!
Helen recommended the in house Pilate class with small props taught by Amari. Amari is a fun, smart bubbly instructor who really cares about her students. This class is right on and just what the doctor ordered. Unlike any Pilate/Yoga class you will go too. She assists the class
Helen recommended the in house Pilate class with small props taught by Amari. Amari is a fun, smart bubbly instructor who really cares about her students. This class is right on and just what the doctor ordered. Unlike any Pilate/Yoga class you will go too. She assists the class
L. F.
Jun 12, 2012
Report
One thing I appreciate about Sitka Physio and Wellness is that they offer yoga classes and personalized rehab/restorative strength training (with a registered Kinesiologist) in addition to their well-established physiotherapy services. I have been doing active rehab (for low back pain) with the Kinesiologist Clare Beary. She has been paramount in bringing the work I've done with physiotherapy (and registered massage therapy) to the next level.
Clare's knowledge of exercise science, in combination with her experience in yoga, makes her incredibly diverse as a therapist. Although
Clare's knowledge of exercise science, in combination with her experience in yoga, makes her incredibly diverse as a therapist. Although
Esther T.
Aug 23, 2011
Report
I had a bad shin splint injury and decided to see Steve at Sitka. He was extremely helpful with my recovery- he knew exactly what my problem was and how to correct it. Along with acupuncture + massage therapy, he suggested a lot of different training exercises to target weak areas in my body which was great, since this will help long-term. I'm happy to say that my shins are feeling much better thanks to Steve!
Angel C.
Apr 13, 2010
Report
I went to Royal Centre Physiotherapy today to begin treatment for an Achilles tendinitis I developed a month or so ago. I was recommended to go to this place by my friend Nelson D. and also by Yelper Mercedes G (after having read her review).
I made an appointment with Helen - we had e-mailed a few times before to come up with an appointment time and she always seemed nice and professional.
As soon as I walked in Helen made sure to make me feel comfortable while she asked me a bit more about my condition. She was gentle while going through some exercises and she asked me if it would be ok to
I made an appointment with Helen - we had e-mailed a few times before to come up with an appointment time and she always seemed nice and professional.
As soon as I walked in Helen made sure to make me feel comfortable while she asked me a bit more about my condition. She was gentle while going through some exercises and she asked me if it would be ok to
Mercedes G.
Sep 11, 2008
Report
I'm not one to whine and moan about my issues, and you've already heard of my back maladies, but I haven't mentioned that they are no longer the issue they once were, due in part largely to Royal Centre Physiotherapy.
My Registered Physiotherapist and Certified Acupuncture Practitioner showed me basic but highly effective excercises that I could perform on my own in order to improve the condition of my back, and by gosh, they worked! I will admit it was not just the excercises. I had heard grand things about acupuncture's miracle work and decided to give it a go. Okay
My Registered Physiotherapist and Certified Acupuncture Practitioner showed me basic but highly effective excercises that I could perform on my own in order to improve the condition of my back, and by gosh, they worked! I will admit it was not just the excercises. I had heard grand things about acupuncture's miracle work and decided to give it a go. Okay